Systems and methods for automatically generating an escape route

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for generating escape routes are provided. With a home owner&#39;s or insured&#39;s permission, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, within, or proximate to a home, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an emergency situation necessitating an evacuation exists, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically generate escape routes to guide occupants to safety. The smart home controller may then transmit the generated escape routes to inform occupants of emergency situation and how to reach safety. The smart home controller and/or insurance provider may also issue commands to smart devices to ensure the safety of the generated escape routes. Insurance policies, premiums, or discounts may be adjusted based upon the escape route determination functionality.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/895,149 (filed Feb. 13, 2018 and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING AN ESCAPE ROUTE”),which is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/873,864 (filed Oct. 2, 2015, and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING AN ESCAPE ROUTE”),which claims benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/060,962 (filed Oct. 7, 2014, and entitled “SYSTEMSAND METHODS FOR MANAGING DEVICES WITHIN A CONNECTED PROPERTY ANDINSURANCE POLICIES ASSOCIATED THEREWITH”); 62/105,407 (filed Jan. 20,2015, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING DEVICES WITHIN ACONNECTED PROPERTY AND INSURANCE POLICIES ASSOCIATED THEREWITH”);62/187,624 (filed Jul. 1, 2015, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORFACILITATING DEVICE REPLACEMENT WITHIN A CONNECTED PROPERTY”);62/187,645 (filed Jul. 1, 2015, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORMANAGING BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE FOR A PROPERTY”); 62/187,651 (filedJul. 1, 2015, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLYGENERATING AN ESCAPE ROUTE”); 62/187,642 (filed Jul. 1, 2015, andentitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING SENSOR DATA TO DETECTPROPERTY INTRUSION EVENTS”); 62/187,666 (filed Jul. 1, 2015, andentitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED ASSISTED OR INDEPENDENTLIVING ENVIRONMENTS”); 62/189,329 (filed Jul. 7, 2015, and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING WARRANTY INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITHDEVICES POPULATED WITHIN A PROPERTY”); 62/193,317 (filed Jul. 16, 2015,and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING SMART DEVICES BASED UPONELECTRICAL USAGE DATA”); 62/197,343 (filed Jul. 27, 2015, and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SMART DEVICES BASED UPON IMAGE DATAFROM IMAGE SENSORS”); 62/198,813 (filed Jul. 30, 2015, and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING SERVICE LOG INFORMATION”), 62/200,375(filed Aug. 3, 2015, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLYRESPONDING TO A FIRE”); 62/201,671 (filed Aug. 6, 2015, and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY MITIGATING RISK OF DAMAGE FROMBROKEN CIRCUITS”); 62/220,383 (filed Sep. 18, 2015, and entitled“METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RESPONDING TO A BROKEN CIRCUIT”)—which are allhereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to generating an escape route,more particularly, to systems and methods that leverage a plurality ofsmart appliances or devices to ensure the safety of the escape route.

BACKGROUND

There are many emergency situations that may impact buildings and thepeople located within the buildings. In some scenarios, a person locatedwithin a building may be unaware of the emergency situation. Currently,many appliances and other goods are capable of communicating informationabout their operation via mesh networks as part of the “internet ofthings.” However, there is no way to aggregate and analyze all of thiscommunicated data to detect the presence of an emergency situation.Further, there is no way to analyze the data to determine the best routefor the people located within the building to evacuate.

SUMMARY

The present embodiments may, inter alia, detect emergency situations anddetermine a best escape route for individuals located on the property toincrease the likelihood of a safe evacuation for the individuals at riskof harm. For instance, a system and method may facilitate communicationswith connected devices and items, and/or facilitate the evacuation ofindividuals located on a property (e.g., smart home). The presentembodiments may monitor sensor data received from a plurality of devicespopulated on the premises of the property. Each of the plurality ofdevices may be configured to monitor various conditions of the propertyto determine the presence of an emergency situation that necessitates anevacuation and/or taking shelter. A controller may determine thelocation of an individual located on the property to generate an escaperoute that safely guides the individual to a safe zone. The controllermay also determine a set of actions that may be performed by theplurality of devices that assists in keeping the escape route safe. Thecontroller may also ensure that the plurality of devices execute and/orcarry out the instructions to keep the escape route safe. Additionally,the controller may transmit the escape route to the individual to ensureeffective and efficient evacuation procedures while minimizing the riskof harm to the individual.

In one aspect, a computer-implemented method of escape route managementfor a property may be provided. The property may be populated with ahardware controller in communication with a plurality of devices andeach of the plurality of devices may be configured to monitor variousconditions associated with the property. The method may include (1)receiving, by the hardware controller via a first communication network,a first set of sensor data from at least one of the plurality ofdevices, the first set sensor data indicative of an emergency situationnecessitating evacuation; (2) analyzing, by one or more processors, thefirst set of sensor data to determine that an individual is located onthe property, the first set of sensor data indicating a location of theindividual; (3) based upon the first set of sensor data and the locationof the individual, determining, by the one or more processors, an escaperoute for the individual to evacuate an area made unsafe by theemergency situation; (4) determining, by the one or more processors, afirst set of actions to be performed by a first portion of the pluralityof devices to ensure safety of the escape route; and/or (5) directingand/or controlling, by the one or more processors, the first portion ofthe plurality of devices to perform the first set of actions tofacilitate escape from the emergency or dangerous situation using theescape route. The method may include additional, less, or alternateactions, including those discussed elsewhere herein.

In one aspect, a system for escape route management for a property maybe provided. The property populated with a hardware controller incommunication with a plurality of devices and each of the plurality ofdevices may be configured to monitor various conditions associated withthe property. The system may include (i) a communication module adaptedto communicate data; (ii) a memory adapted to store non-transitorycomputer executable instructions; and/or (iii) one or more processorsadapted to interface with the communication module. The one or moreprocessors may be configured to execute the non-transitory computerexecutable instructions to cause the system to (1) receive, via thecommunication module, a first set of sensor data from at least one ofthe plurality of devices, the first set sensor data indicative of anemergency situation necessitating evacuation; (2) analyze, by the one ormore processors, the first set of sensor data to determine that anindividual is located on the property, the first set of sensor dataindicating a location of the individual; (3) based upon the first set ofsensor data and the location of the individual, determine, by the one ormore processors, an escape route for the individual to evacuate an areamade unsafe by the emergency situation; (4) determine, by the one ormore processors, a first set of actions to be performed by a firstportion of the plurality of devices to ensure safety of the escaperoute; and/or (5) direct and/or control, by the one or more processors,the first portion of the plurality of devices to perform the first setof actions to facilitate escape from an emergency or dangeroussituation. The system may include additional, less, or alternateactions, including those discussed elsewhere herein.

In one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storingprocessor-executable instructions may be provided. When executed, theinstructions may cause one or more processors to (1) receive by the oneor more processors via a local communication network, a first set ofsensor data from at least one of the plurality of devices, the first setsensor data indicative of an emergency situation necessitatingevacuation; (2) analyze, by the one or more processors, the first set ofsensor data to determine that an individual is located on the property,the first set of sensor data indicating a location of the individual;(3) based upon the first set of sensor data and the location of theindividual, determine, by the one or more processors, an escape routefor the individual to evacuate an area made unsafe by the emergencysituation; (4) determine, by the one or more processors, a first set ofactions to be performed by a first portion of the plurality of devicesto ensure safety of the escape route; and/or (5) direct and/or control,by the one or more processors, the first portion of the plurality ofdevices to perform the first set of actions to facilitate escape fromthe emergency or dangerous situation using the escape route. Theinstructions may cause additional, less, or alternate actions, includingthose discussed elsewhere herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures described below depict various aspects of the system andmethods disclosed herein. It should be understood that each figuredepicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed system andmethods, and that each of the figures is intended to accord with apossible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the followingdescription refers to the reference numerals included in the followingfigures, in which features depicted in multiple figures are designatedwith consistent reference numerals.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary environment including components andentities associated with generating an escape route in response todetecting an emergency situation, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary signal diagram associated with generating anescape route in response to detecting an emergency situation, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary signal diagram associated with generating amodified escape route in response to detecting the original escape routeis unsafe, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary interface, displayable by an electronicdevice, for alerting an individual about an emergency situation, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary interface, displayable by an electronicdevice, for alerting an individual that the escape route has beenchanged, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary flow diagram associated with generating anescape route in response to detecting an emergency situation, inaccordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a smart home controller, in accordancewith some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, the evacuation,taking of shelter, escaping, or other action to avoid harm caused by anemergency situation. The emergency situation may be caused by water,fire, hail, wind, tornados, hurricanes, volcanos, gunmen, and/or othersources. The present embodiments may also relate to (a) detecting theemergency situation; (b) determining an escape route; (c) monitoring thesafety of the escape route; (d) guiding the individual along the escaperoute; (e) providing safety tips; (f) communicating with emergencyservices; and/or (g) other evacuation-related activities.

A home may have a “smart” central controller (referred to as a “smarthome controller” herein) and be wirelessly interconnected, or evenhard-wired, with various household related items and/or sensors. Despitebeing referred to as the “smart home controller,” the central controllermay be associated with any type of property, such as offices,restaurants, farms, and/or other types of properties. The smart homecontroller may be in wireless or wired communication with various smartappliances (e.g., clothes washer, dryer, dish washer, refrigerator,etc.), smart heating devices (e.g., furnace, space heaters, etc.), smartcooling devices (e.g., air conditioning units, fans, ceiling fans,etc.), smart plumbing fixtures (e.g., toilets, showers, water heaters,piping, interior and yard sprinklers, etc.), smart cooking devices(e.g., stoves, ovens, grills, microwaves, etc.), smart wiring, lighting,and lamps, smart personal vehicles, smart thermostats, smart windows,doors, or garage doors, smart window blinds or shutters, and/or othersmart devices and/or sensors capable of wireless or wired communication.Each smart device (or smart sensor), as well as the smart homecontroller, may be equipped with a processor, memory unit, softwareapplications, wireless transceivers, local power supply, various typesof sensors, and/or other components.

Each of the smart devices may be included on an inventory listassociated with the property. The inventory list may detail a location(e.g., GPS coordinates, a room of the property, an area or section ofthe property, or other location indication) of each of the smartdevices. In this regard, multiple smart devices may be associated with asingle area or location of the property (e.g., a basement, a bathroom, akitchen, a first floor, etc.). Similarly, the inventory list may trackthe capabilities of each of the smart devices. For example, a smart fireladder may be able to remotely receive instruction to deploy a ladderand/or roll the ladder back up. Of course, the capabilities of eachsmart device may vary between smart devices.

The smart home controller may remotely gather data from the smartdevices (or smart sensors) dispersed around or otherwise interconnectedwithin the property. The smart home controller may also receive datafrom an insurance provider (or other third party sources) that monitorspotential risks to the property, such as inclement weather, crimepatterns, recall data pertaining to goods disposed on or proximate tothe property and/or other risks. The smart home controller may analyzethe data and automatically detect emergency situations that threaten thewell-being of individuals located on the property. Upon detection of anemergency situation, the smart home controller may issue commands ormessages via wireless or wired communication networks and/or datatransmission that may serve to lead to a safe evacuation.

The smart home controller may also remotely gather data from the smartdevices (or sensors associated therewith) dispersed around or otherwiseinterconnected within the property to determine an occupancy state ofthe property. The occupancy state may indicate whether any individualsare currently located on the premises of the property, whereby theproperty may be deemed unoccupied if no individuals are currentlylocated within, or in proximity to, the property or may be deemedoccupied if at least one individual is located within, or in proximityto, the property. The occupancy state may also include an identity ofwhich room the individuals located on the premises of the property arecurrently located.

As an example, the smart home controller may detect, via a heat sensor,visual sensor, and/or a smoke detector, that a fire is present on theproperty. The smart home controller may check the occupancy state of theproperty to determine whether any individuals need to evacuate theproperty. If there are any individuals on the property, the smart homecontroller may generate an escape route for each individual to safelyevacuate the property. The smart home controller may communicate theescape routes to a mobile device associated with each individual. As aresult, the mobile devices may display an interface that notifies theindividual about the fire (or other emergency situation) and guides theindividual along their respective escape route.

To ensure the safety of the escape routes, the smart home controller mayanalyze the location of the smart devices compared to locations of theindividual, emergency situation, and/or escape routes. The controllermay then determine if the capabilities of the smart devices may assistthe individuals in safely evacuating the property. For example, a steelshutter may be deployed to help contain a fire in one room, thusensuring that individuals can more safely traverse the remainder of theproperty. It should be appreciated that when there are multipleindividuals evacuating the property, the smart home controller mayensure that performing the action to ensure the safety of a firstindividual's escape route does not impede the ability of a secondindividual to follow their respective escape route.

The systems and methods discussed herein address a challenge that isparticular to home automation. In particular, the challenge relates to alack of user ability to effectively control certain components within aproperty during an emergency situation. This is particularly apparentwhen the user is not aware of an emergency situation and may not havetime to manually perform actions to ensure their own safety. Forexample, the user may be unaware of unseen electrocution risks caused byflooding. Moreover, in an emergency situation, users may panic and beunable to decide on a proper course of action. Instead of requiringusers to manually figure out the best way to evacuate the propertyand/or deploy safety equipment, as required on conventional properties,the systems and methods dynamically determine the best escape route tosafely evacuate the property and automatically adjust the operation ofthe smart devices to ensure escape route safety. Therefore, because thesystems and methods employ dynamic operation of connected devices withina property, the systems and methods are necessarily rooted in computertechnology in order to overcome the noted shortcomings that specificallyarise in the realm of home automation.

Similarly, the systems and methods provide improvements in a technicalfield, namely, home automation. Instead of the systems and methodsmerely being performed by hardware components using basic functions, thesystems and methods employ complex steps that go beyond the mere conceptof simply retrieving and combining data using a computer. In particular,the hardware components may compile operation data of connected devices,analyze the operation data, determine the presence of an emergencysituation, generate escape routes, communicate relevant data between oramong a set of devices, and/or dynamically adjust device operation,among other functionalities. This combination of elements imposemeaningful limits in that the operations are applied to improve homeautomation by improving the consolidation and analysis of operationdata, and by facilitating and/or enabling the efficient adjustment ofconnected device operation in a meaningful and effective way to ensuresafe evacuation.

The systems and methods therefore may offer a benefit to customers byenabling homeowners to receive sufficient warning about emergencysituations in the homes and to provide instructions on how to safelyevacuate the home. By communicating these instructions to homeowners,the smart home controller may minimize the risk of harm to homeowners.Further, insurance providers may experience a reduction in the number ofclaims and/or a reduction in the amount claimed as a result of thehomeowners evacuating properties in a safer and/or organized manner,thus reducing their overall liabilities. The present systems and methodsmay also provide improvements, in certain aspects, to the technologicalfields of insurance, emergency response, appliance manufacturing, and/orurban planning.

1. EXEMPLARY ENVIRONMENT FOR ESCAPE ROUTE DETERMINATION

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary environment 100 associated generating anescape route in response to detecting an emergency situation. AlthoughFIG. 1 depicts certain entities, components, and devices, it should beappreciated that additional or alternate entities and components areenvisioned.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the environment 100 may include a plurality ofsmart devices 110 that may be connected to a local communication network115. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of smart devices 110 may includesmart window shutters 110 a, a smart oven 110 b, a smart refrigerator110 c, a smart vehicle 110 d, a smart water supply 110 e, and/or a smartsurveillance camera 110 f. Although FIG. 1 depicts six smart devices inthe environment 100, it should be appreciated that additional or fewersmart devices may be present in other embodiments. In some cases, thesmart devices may be purchased from the manufacturer with the “smart”functionally incorporated therein. In other cases, the smart devices mayhave been purchased as “dumb” devices and subsequently modified to addthe “smart” functionality to the device. For example, a homeowner mayinstall a motor system on window shutters that is capable oftransmitting the open/close status of the shutters, and/or remotelyreceiving instructions to open or close the shutters. As anotherexample, when a vehicle owner enrolls in a usage-based vehicle insurancepolicy, the vehicle owner may be provided a smart device that is able tomonitor the miles driven by the vehicle and, upon returning to the home,the smart device may communicate the number of miles driven sincepreviously departing.

The plurality of smart devices 110 may be configured to communicate witha smart home controller 120 via the local communication network 115. Thelocal network 115 may facilitate any type of data communication betweendevices and controllers located on or proximate to the property via anystandard or technology (e.g., Bluetooth®, RFID, X10, UPnP®, IEEE 802including Ethernet, GSM, CDMA, LTE, and/or others). According to presentembodiments, the plurality of smart devices 110 may transmit, to thesmart home controller 120 via the local network 115, sensor datagathered from sensors associated with the plurality of smart devices110. The sensor data may be audio data, image or video data, or statusdata. For example, the sensor data may indicate the flow rate of waterthrough a pipe, thermal imaging data, the status of an alarm, sounddetected by a smart device, and/or other information pertinent todetermining the presence of an emergency situation.

The smart home controller 120 may analyze the received sensor data andtransmit, via the local network 115, instructions or commands to theplurality of smart devices 110. As an example, the smart home controller120 may determine, via a water level sensor, that a basement hasflooded. As a result, the smart home controller 120 may transmit aninstruction to activate de-watering equipment and/or other actions toensure safe evacuation during a flood event. In some embodiments, thesmart de-watering equipment may respond by transmitting, to the smarthome controller 120 via the local network 115, a confirmation that theaction has been successfully performed.

According to present embodiments, the smart home controller 120 may becoupled to a database 122 that stores floor plan data associated withthe property and/or plurality of smart devices 110. In some embodiments,the database 122 may contain a layout or virtual map of the property,including points of entry/exit, the location of the plurality of smartdevices 110, and/or the location of any individuals located on theproperty. The smart home controller 120 may access the floor plan and/orany other location data to generate a plurality of escape routes to theindividuals. Although FIG. 1 depicts the database 122 as coupled to thesmart home controller 120, it is envisioned that the database 122 may bemaintained in the “cloud” such that any element of the environment 100capable of communicating over either the local network 115 or a remotenetwork 125 may directly interact with database 122.

The smart home controller 120 may also be in communication, via theremote network 125, with an electronic device 145 associated with thehomeowner 140. The electronic device 145 associated with the homeowner140 may be a smartphone, a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartwatch, smart glasses, phablet, smart contact lenses, wearableelectronics, pager, personal digital assistant, computing deviceconfigured for wireless communication, or any other electronic device.The remote network 125 may facilitate any data communication between thesmart home controller 120 located on the property and entities orindividuals remote to the property via any standard or technology (e.g.,GSM, CDMA, TDMA, WCDMA, LTE, EDGE, OFDM, GPRS, EV-DO, UWB, IEEE 802including Ethernet, WiMAX, and/or others). In some cases, both the localnetwork 115 and the remote network 125 may utilize the same technology.Although FIG. 1 depicts the smart home controller 120 and the homeowner140 in communication via the remote network 125, there are embodimentsin which the homeowner 140 is on the property and in communication withthe smart home controller 120 via the local network 115.

In some embodiments, when the smart home controller 120 determines thatan emergency situation exists, the smart home controller 120 maygenerate and transmit a notification to the electronic device 145 viathe local network 115 and/or the remote network 125. The notificationmay include, inter alia, a description of the emergency situation, alocation of the emergency situation, an escape route (includinginstructions) to evacuate the property safely, visual location datadepicting the escape route on a floor plan and/or map, safety tips toremember while evacuating, and/or any other information relevant tosafely evacuating a property. In some embodiments, the electronic device145 may provide an interface such that the homeowner 140 may view any ofthe transmitted information. The interface may also enable the homeowner145 to monitor, in substantially real time, their current location, acurrent status of the areas of the property made unsafe by the emergencysituation, progress along the escape route, and/or the like.

The smart home controller 120 may also be in communication with aninsurance provider 130 via the remote network 125. According to presentembodiments, the insurance provider 130 may include one or moreprocessing servers 135 configured to facilitate the functionalitiesdescribed herein. Although FIG. 1 depicts the insurance provider 130, itshould be appreciated that other entities that are capable of monitoringemergency situations are envisioned. For example, a fire department orother entity tasked with responding to emergency situations may utilizethe systems and methods to receive accurate information about thelocation of a fire and/or any individuals trapped by the fire to developoptimal fire rescue strategies. Thus, it may not be necessary for theproperty to have an associated insurance policy for the property ownersto enjoy the benefits of the systems and methods. Further, although FIG.1 depicts the processing server 135 as part of the insurance provider130, it should be appreciated that the processing server 135 may beseparate from (and connected to and/or accessible by) the insuranceprovider 130 or other entity interested in monitoring the data describedherein.

According to present embodiments, the insurance provider 130 may alsoreceive data from third party entities 150 pertaining to the detectionof an emergency situation. For example, the insurance provider 130 mayreceive information from a weather service about a tornado detectedwithin the vicinity of the property. As another example, the insuranceprovider may receive information about active gunmen or other similarsecurity threat proximate to the property. Based upon an analysis of thedata received from the third party entities 150, the insurance provider130 may transmit an indication to the smart home controller 120, via thelocal network 115 and/or the remote network 125, to notify the homeowner140 about emergency situation and/or direct the homeowner 140 to proceedalong an escape route. It should be appreciated that in someembodiments, the third party entities 150 may be able to communicatedirectly with the smart home controller 120. The exemplary environment100 may include additional, fewer, or alternate equipment or components,including those discussed elsewhere herein.

II. EXEMPLARY ESCAPE ROUTE COMMUNICATION

Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a signal diagram 200 associated withgenerating an escape route in response to detecting an emergencysituation. In particular, FIG. 2 may include a plurality of smartdevices 210 (such as the plurality of smart devices 110 as describedwith respect to FIG. 1) disposed on a property 205, a smart homecontroller 220 (such as the smart home controller 120 as described withrespect to FIG. 1), processing server 235 (such as the processing server135 as described with respect to FIG. 1), and/or an individual 240 (suchas the homeowner 140 as described with respect to FIG. 1) associatedwith an electronic device. In some embodiments, the smart homecontroller 220 may be coupled to a database that stores floor plan data(such as the floor plan database 122 as described with respect to FIG.1). It should be appreciated the electronic device may be any electronicdevice (e.g., a smartphone, a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet,phablet, netbook, notebook, a smart watch, smart glasses, smart contactlenses, wearable electronics device, other mobile device, etc.).

The signal diagram 200 may begin when the plurality of smart devices 210transmit (250) sensor data to the smart home controller 220 and/or whenthe processing server 235 transmits (252) data gathered by third partiesto the smart home controller 220. The sensor data may include data, suchas audio data, visual data, and status data, relevant to determining thepresence of an emergency situation. The smart devices 210 may beconfigured to transmit the sensor data at a regular interval (e.g.,every ten seconds) and/or in response to a trigger event (e.g.,detecting the presence of smoke). It should be appreciated the length ofthe regular interval may vary based upon the type of each smart device210 and the operational state of each smart device 210.

According to some embodiments, the processing server 235 may transmit,to the smart home controller 220, data received from one or more variousthird party reporting agencies or entities. The data provided by thethird party reporting agencies may include information that describesinclement weather patterns and/or other situations that may necessitatean evacuation. The insurance provider 230 may transmit the data to thesmart home controller 220 in a periodical report (e.g., daily orbi-daily) or in response to a trigger event (e.g., the National WeatherService® issuing a tornado warning). It should be appreciated that insome embodiments, the smart home controller 220 may receive the datadirectly from the third party reporting agencies instead of via theprocessing server 235.

After receiving the sensor data from the smart devices 210 and/or afterreceiving the third party data from the processing server 235, the smarthome controller 220 may analyze (254) the received data to detect thepresence of an emergency situation. For example, the smart homecontroller 220 may analyze the received thermal imaging data to detectthe presence of a fire on the premises of the property 205 (and/ordetermine the extent of the fire). As another example, the smart homecontroller 220 may analyze received water level data to detect thatthere is a flooding event on the premises of the property 205 (and/ordetermine the extent of the flooding). In yet another example, the smarthome controller 220 may analyze received audio data to detect that agunshot was fired on the premises of the property 205. Of course, thesmart home controller 220 may analyze any received data to determine thepresence of any emergency situation that may necessitate evacuation.

If the smart home controller 220 analyzes the received data anddetermines that an emergency situation necessitating an evacuation doesnot currently exist (“NO”), processing may return to the beginning ofthe signal diagram 200 where the smart home controller 220 may await newdata from the smart devices 210 and/or processing server 235. Incontrast, if the smart home controller 220 determines that there is anemergency situation necessitating an evacuation (“YES”), the smart homecontroller 220 may determine whether there are any occupants on thepremises of the property 205 that require evacuation. In someembodiments, occupancy is determined by querying an occupancy stateand/or by analyzing one or more of motion sensor data, infrared data,alarm system data, electronic device communications, and or otherinformation indicating the presence of an individual on the premises ofthe property 205. In scenarios in which there are no individuals on thepremises of the property 205, the signal diagram 200 may terminate sincethere are no individuals that need an escape route. In these scenarios,the smart home controller 220 may still generate and transmit commandsto the plurality of smart devices 210 in order to mitigate damage to theproperty 205.

Conversely, if the smart home controller 220 detects the presence of theindividual 240 on the premises of the property 205, the smart homecontroller 220 may determine a location of the individual 240. In someembodiments, the smart home controller 220 may track individuals as theytraverse the property 205, regardless of the presence of the emergencysituation. In these embodiments, the smart home controller 220 may querythe tracking routine to determine the location of the individual 240. Insome further embodiments, the smart home controller 220 may detectidentifying information transmitted from the electronic deviceassociated with the individual 240. In these embodiments, the smart homecontroller 220 may be able to determine a location in which a signalcontaining an identity of the electronic device originated. It should beappreciated that any means to detect the location of the individual 240on the premises of the property 205 is envisioned.

As part of determining the location of the individual 240, the smarthome controller 220 may determine a room and/or other location on thepremises of the property 205. According to some embodiments, the smarthome controller 220 may access a floor plan stored in the floor plandatabase. The smart home controller 220 may then compare the determinedlocation of the individual 240 to the floor plan to determine thelocation of the individual 240 on the premises of the property 205. Forexample, the smart home controller 220 may detect that the electronicdevice associated with the individual 240 is transmitting identifyinginformation from a particular location within the property 205. Thesmart home controller 220 may then compare this particular location tothe floor plan to determine, for example, that the electronic device islocated in the ground floor kitchen. Accordingly, the smart homecontroller 220 may determine that the individual 240 is located withinthe ground floor kitchen as well. It should be appreciated thecollection of any data used to determine presence of the emergency, theoccupancy of the property and/or the location of individuals on theproperty may comprise the “first set of sensor data.”

Once the location of the individual 240 is known, the smart homecontroller 220 may generate an escape route to guide the individual 240from their current location to an area associated with a lower risk ofharm due to the emergency situation (as used generally herein, a “safezone”). For ease of description, the generation of the escape route isdescribed as being performed by the smart home controller 220; however,it is envisioned that the processing server 235 may independently or incoordination with the smart home controller 220 generate the escaperoute. According to embodiments, the smart home controller 220 maymaintain a list of safe zones wherein the list associates each safe zonewith a list of emergency situations in which evacuation to the safe zoneis appropriate. For example, a safe zone that is a “safe room” may beappropriate for a gunman and/or home invader situation, yetinappropriate for a hurricane situation. Additionally, the safe zonesmay be located either on the premises of the property 205 (e.g., abasement during a tornado scenario) or off the premises of the property205 (e.g., a neighboring property during a fire scenario). Based uponthe present type of emergency situation, the smart home controller 220may compile a list of all appropriate safe zones to which the individual240 may evacuate the property 205.

According to embodiments, the smart home controller 220 may thengenerate a plurality of escape routes guiding the individual 240 fromtheir current location to one of the appropriate safe zones. Ingenerating the escape routes, the smart home controller 220 may onlygenerate escape routes that avoid areas made unsafe by the emergencysituation. For example, during a fire scenario, the smart homecontroller 220 may determine that a hallway situated between the currentlocation of the individual 240 and a safe zone is currently ablaze. Inthis example, the smart home controller 220 may avoid generating escaperoutes that guide the individual 240 through that hallway. In someembodiments, an escape route may require the deployment of emergencyequipment (i.e., fire ladders, flotation devices, emergency lighting,and/or the like) for the individual 240 to evacuate the property 205.

Once the smart home controller 220 has generated a plurality ofpotential escape routes, the smart home controller 220 may select a bestescape route for the individual 240 to evacuate the property 205. Toselect the best escape route, the smart home controller 220 may analyzea plurality of factors associated with each potential escape route. Forexample, the smart home controller may compare an estimated time toreach a safe zone, an estimated time until the safety of the potentialescape route is compromised, and/or a distance between the potentialescape route and the area made unsafe by the emergency situation.Depending upon the emergency situation, the smart home controller 220may prioritize different factors. In some situations, the fastest (orshortest) possible evacuation may be prioritized, and in others ensuringthat the individual 240 stays as far away from the emergency situationas possible may be prioritized.

Additionally, in some scenarios, the smart home controller 220 may beable to determine a particular identity of the individual 240 andprioritize escape routes based upon the particular identity. Forexample, the smart home controller 220 may maintain a list ofindividuals that are associated with the property 205. The list mayinclude preferences and/or characteristics of each individual thatinfluence the escape route selection. For example, if the individual 240is physically handicapped, the smart home controller 220 may avoidselecting escape routes that involve climbing ladders. Similarly, theindividual 240 may prefer evacuating to a particular neighboringproperty based upon their personal relationships. Accordingly, the smarthome controller 220 may prioritize escape routes that account for thephysical capabilities and/or preferences of the individual 240.

In further situations, the best safe zone may be provided via 3^(rd)party data. For example, in particularly widespread emergencysituations, the National Guard may establish shelters for allindividuals in a particular community. In such situations, the smarthome controller 220 may receive data indicating the establishment ofsuch a shelter and/or prioritize escape routes that use the establishedshelter as the safe zone. In any case, the smart home controller 220 mayanalyze any relevant priority data to select the best escape route forthe individual 240 to evacuate the property 205.

After selecting the best escape route, the smart home controller 220 maytransmit (266) the escape route to the electronic device associated withthe individual 240 via a communication network. After receiving theescape route, the electronic device may present the escape route to theindividual 240. In some embodiments, this may include displaying avisual interface that depicts the escape route, and/or individual stepsof the escape route superimposed on a map and/or a floor plan of theproperty 205. For example, an escape route that leads the individual 240to a neighboring property may initially be displayed on a floor plan ofthe property 205; however, once the individual 240 leaves the premisesof the property 240, the escape route may be displayed via a mappingprogram stored on the electronic device (e.g., Google Maps®).Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device may recitedirections (such as audibly or visually) that guide the individual 240along the escape route. It should be appreciated that any suitablemethod in which the electronic device may guide the individual 240 alongthe escape route is envisioned.

In addition to transmitting the escape route to the electronic deviceassociated with the individual 240, the smart home controller 220 mayalso determine (270) a set of actions to be performed by a portion ofthe plurality of smart devices 210 to ensure the safety of the generatedescape route. For example, during a fire, the smart home controller 220may activate firefighting equipment, such as water sprinklers, and/orde-energize electronic equipment in areas currently on fire. Otherexemplary actions that may be performed include shutting off utilities,activating emergency generators, activating a sump pump, deploying afire ladder, shutting a fire or flood door, activating lighting along anescape route or in halls/rooms associated with the escape room, and/oropening windows. In addition to actions that attempt to contain theemergency situation, a determined action may be to activate a lightedpath and/or track lighting to further assist in guiding the individual240 along the escape route.

Once the set of actions is determined, the smart home controller 220 maygenerate and transmit (274) instructions that cause the plurality ofsmart devices 210 to perform (278) the set of actions. The instructionsmay include an identity of the particular smart device 210 to performthe action and/or an action code associated with the particularfunctionality each smart device 210. Each smart device 210 may analyzethe instructions to determine whether the instructions identify that theparticular smart device 210 should perform any actions. If theparticular smart device 210 is to perform an action, the particularsmart device 210 may analyze the action code to actually perform theinstructed action. As an example, a smart water sprinkler may beidentified as device abc123 and an action code of “ActivateSprinkler”may cause the smart water sprinkler to activate its sprinkler systems.Accordingly, if the smart water sprinkler determines that theinstructions contain an instruction that device abc123 should performthe action “ActivateSprinkler,” the smart water sprinkler may activateits sprinkler systems.

It should be appreciated the smart home controller 220 may monitor theprogress of the individual 240 as the individual 240 moves along theescape route (for instance by using infrared or motion sensor data,mobile device GPS data, and/or other sensor data). At various pointsthroughout, the smart home controller 220 may determine that a safetytip may be useful to ensure that the individual 240 safely evacuates theproperty 205. For example, if the smart home controller 220 detectsthere is smoke in a room along the escape route, the smart homecontroller 220 may generate and transmit ta safety tip that theindividual should crawl to avoid smoke and/or hold a cloth over theirmouth to avoid smoke inhalation. Additionally, in response to detectingthe emergency situation, the smart home controller 220 may automaticallynotify emergency responders about the emergency situation. It should beappreciated that signal diagram 200 may include additional, fewer,and/or alternative actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein.For example, in some embodiments, some of the actions described withrespect to the smart home controller 220 may be alternatively performedby the processing server 235, and vice versa.

III. EXEMPLARY MODIFIED ESCAPE ROUTE COMMUNICATION

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a signal diagram 300 associated withgenerating a modified escape route in response to detecting the originalescape route is unsafe. In particular, FIG. 3 may include a plurality ofsmart devices 310 (such as the plurality of smart devices 110 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 1) disposed on a property 305, a smarthome controller 320 (such as the smart home controller 120 as describedwith respect to FIG. 1), a processing server 335 (such as the processingserver 135 as described with respect to FIG. 1), and/or an individual340 (such as the homeowner 140 as described with respect to FIG. 1)associated with an electronic device. In some embodiments, the smarthome controller 320 may be coupled to a database that stores floor plandata (such as the floor plan database 122 as described with respect toFIG. 1). It should be appreciated the electronic device may be anyelectronic device or mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, a desktopcomputer, a laptop, a tablet, phablet, netbook, notebook, a smart watch,smart glasses, smart contact lenses, wearable electronics device, othertype of mobile device, etc.).

During an emergency situation necessitating an evacuation from theproperty 305, the individual 340 may be traversing an escape route thatwas generated by the smart home controller 320. While the individual 340is evacuating the property 305, the smart home controller 320 maycontinue to receive (350) sensor data from the plurality of devices 310.The smart home controller 320 may analyze the received sensor data todetermine (354) whether or not the current escape route is safe for theindividual 340 to continue traversing.

For example, the smart home controller 320 may analyze the sensor datato determine that a door along the escape route became blocked due to aroof collapse. As another example, during a flooding situation, thesmart home controller 320 may determine that water levels have risen toa point in which electronic devices disposed in the room present a riskof electrocution.

If the smart home controller 320 analyzes the received data anddetermines that the current escape route for the individual 340 is safe(“NO”), processing may return to the beginning of the signal diagram 300where the smart home controller 320 may await new data from the smartdevices 310. In contrast, if the smart home controller 320 determinesthat the current escape route for the individual 340 is unsafe (“YES”),the smart home controller 320 may determine (358) an updated locationfor the individual 340. It should be appreciated that the determinationof the updated location of the individual 340 may be performed in asimilar manner as determining the original location of the individual asdescribed with respect to step 258 of the signal diagram 200.

Once the updated location of the individual 340 is known, the smart homecontroller 320 and/or the processing serve 335 may generate (362) amodified escape route to guide the individual 340 from the updatedlocation to the same or an alternate safe zone. The generation of themodified escape route may proceed in a similar manner as the generationof the escape route described with respect to step 262 of the signaldiagram 200, except factoring in the updated location of the individual340 and/or any changes to conditions on the property 305 as reflected inthe sensor data received from the plurality of smart devices 310.

After generating the modified escape route, the smart home controller320 may transmit (366) the modified escape route to the electronicdevice associated with the individual 340 via a communication network.After receiving the escape route, the electronic device may present themodified escape route to the individual 340 in a manner similar to thepresentation described with respect to step 266 of the signal diagram200.

In addition to transmitting the modified escape route to the mobiledevice associated with the individual 440, the smart home controller 420may also determine (370) a second set of actions to be performed by aportion of the plurality of smart devices 310 to ensure the safety ofthe modified escape route. Once the second set of actions is determined,the smart home controller 320 may generate and transmit (374)instructions that cause the plurality of smart devices 310 to perform(378) the second set of actions. It should be appreciated the generationand/or transmission of the instructions associated with the second setof actions and/or the performance of the second set of actions may besubstantially similar to those actions as described with respect tosteps 270-278 of the signal 200. It should be appreciated that signaldiagram 200 may include additional, fewer, and/or alternative actions,including those discussed elsewhere herein. For example, in someembodiments, some of the actions described with respect to the smarthome controller 320 may be alternatively performed by the processingserver 335, and vice versa.

IV. EXEMPLARY USER INTERFACES FOR ESCAPE ROUTE INFORMATION

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary interfaces associated with alertinga customer to escape route information to safely evacuate a property. Anelectronic device (e.g., a smartphone or other mobile device) may beconfigured to display the interfaces and receive selections and inputsvia the interfaces. For example, a dedicated application associated withan insurance provider and/or other entity may be configured to operateon the electronic device to display the interfaces. It should beappreciated that the interfaces are merely examples and that alternativeor additional content is envisioned.

FIG. 4A illustrates an interface 400 including details relating toalerting an individual about an emergency situation. In particular, theinterface 400 may indicate the nature of the emergency situation(“Tornado Watch”), as well as display directions to proceed to an safezone to minimize risk of harm due to the emergency situation (“Proceedto your basement”). Further, the interface 400 may depict an escaperoute guiding the individual to the safe zone. As depicted in theinterface 400, this may include displaying a floor plan of the property,the user's current location on the floor plan (the circle at theorigination point of the arrow), and/or a route to guide the user to thesafe zone (the path indicated by the arrow).

FIG. 4B illustrates an interface 450 including details relating toalerting an individual that the escape route has been changed. Inparticular, the interface 450 may indicate that the current escape routeis no longer safe. Additionally, the interface 450 may provideinstructions detailing a modified escape route to safely evacuate theproperty. The interface 450 may further enable the user to dismiss thealert via an “OK” selection. In response, the electronic device maypresent a new interface for monitoring the user's progress as the usertraverses the modified escape route. The exemplary interfaces mayinclude additional, less, or alternate functionality, includingfunctionality described elsewhere herein.

V. EXEMPLARY METHODS OF ESCAPE ROUTE DETERMINATION

Referring to FIG. 5, depicted is a block diagram of an exemplary method500 of determining an escape route for individuals on a property. Themethod 500 may be facilitated by a hardware controller within theproperty, such as the smart home controller 120 as described withrespect to FIG. 1, that may be in direct or indirect communication withan insurance provider (such as the insurance provider 130 or theprocessor server 135 thereof).

The method 500 may begin when the controller receives (block 505) asensor data indicative of an emergency situation from a plurality ofdevices disposed on the property. For example, the sensor data mayinclude data indicating a fire alarm in a bedroom has been triggeredand/or thermal sensor data indicating the presence of a fire in thebedroom. As another example, the sensor data may indicate that thestructural integrity of a portion of the property has been compromised.It should be appreciated that the emergency situation may be anyemergency event, including those described elsewhere herein.

Once the controller determines that there is an emergency situation onthe property, the controller may analyze (block 510) another portion ofthe sensor data to determine whether any individuals are present on theproperty and, if so, their respective locations on the property. Thepresence of the individuals on the property may be determined via motionsensors, facial recognition, detecting an electronic device associatedwith an individual, or any other method of determining the presence ofindividuals within a property.

When the controller detects that there are individuals on the property,the controller may generate (block 515) an escape route for theindividuals to safely exit the property. In order to generate the escaperoute, the controller may compare the location of the individuals to thelocation of the emergency situation. An escape route may lead theindividuals from their current location on the property to a safelocation (either on the same property or on a nearby property). Theescape route may also factor in the location of the emergency situationto ensure the safety of the individuals on the property. For example, ifan individual is in a bedroom and there is a fire in the outsidehallway, the controller may generate an escape route that utilizes afire escape and/or ladder instead of leading the individual through theburning hallway. Accordingly, in some situations, the escape route maynot be the most direct route for an individual to evacuate the property.The controller may determine an escape route for each individual presenton the property.

Once the escape route(s) are determined, the controller may determine(block 520) a set of actions to perform to ensure the safety of theescape route. Returning to the hallway fire example, the set of actionsmay include deploying a fire ladder and/or unlatching or opening a smartwindow, or energizing lighting. Other actions to ensure escape routesafety may include closing fire doors to contain a fire, de-energizingelectronics, closing gas valves, activating sprinkler systems,illuminating emergency track lighting, and/or any other action that canaid in the safe evacuation of individuals on the property.

The controller may direct (block 525) devices disposed on the propertyto perform the set of actions. In some implementations, the controllermay generate an instruction that, when received by a particular device,causes the device to perform a particular action of the set of actions.This instruction may be communicated over a local network. In someembodiments, the instruction may include an identification of the deviceto perform the action, an indication of device property to change, anindication of a value of the new device property, a time when the deviceproperty should change, and/or any other pertinent information tocontrolling a smart device.

In some implementations, in addition to directing the devices to performthe action, the controller may communicate the escape route to anelectronic device associated with the corresponding individual presenton the property. The communication may provide the nature and locationof the emergency situation, a layout of the property, step-by-stepinstructions directing the individual along the escape route, and/or anyother information pertinent to the individual safely evacuating theproperty.

In some further implementations, as the individual proceeds along anescape route, the controller may receive a second set of sensor dataindicating that the emergency situation has changed and/or worsened andthat the original escape route is no longer safe. For example, theceiling in a room that the escape route leads through may havecollapsed, blocking the escape route. In response, the controller maydetermine a modified escape route to safely evacuate the property,direct devices to perform actions to ensure the safety of the modifiedescape route, and/or communicate the modified escape route to anindividual present on the property.

V. EXEMPLARY ESCAPE ROUTE DETERMINATION METHOD

In one aspect, a computer-implemented method of escape route managementfor a property may be provided. The property may be populated with ahardware controller in communication with a plurality of devices andeach of the plurality of devices may be configured to monitor variousconditions associated with the property. The method may include (1)receiving, by the hardware controller via a first communication network,a first set of sensor data from at least one of the plurality ofdevices, the first set sensor data indicative of an emergency situationnecessitating evacuation; (2) analyzing, by one or more processors, thefirst set of sensor data to determine that an individual is located onthe property, the first set of sensor data indicating a location of theindividual; (3) based upon the first set of sensor data and the locationof the individual, determining, by the one or more processors, an escaperoute for the individual to evacuate an area made unsafe by theemergency situation; (4) determining, by the one or more processors, afirst set of actions to be performed by a first portion of the pluralityof devices to ensure safety of the escape route; and/or (5) directingand/or controlling, by the one or more processors, the first portion ofthe plurality of devices to perform the first set of actions tofacilitate escape from the emergency situation using the escape route.The method may include additional, less, or alternate actions, includingthose discussed elsewhere herein, and/or may be implemented via one ormore local or remote processors (such as smart home controllers, mobiledevices, insurance provider remote servers, etc.) and/orcomputer-executable instructions stored on non-transitorycomputer-readable medium or media.

For instance, directing and/or controlling the first portion of theplurality of devices to perform the first set of actions may includedirecting or controlling, by the one or more processors, the firstportion of the plurality of devices to perform at least one of shuttingoff utilities, de-energizing electronic equipment, activating emergencygenerators, activating a sump pump, activating a lighted path indicatingthe direction of the escape route, deploying a fire ladder, shutting afire or flood door, and/or opening or closing windows.

The method may include transmitting, by the hardware controller via asecond communication network, the escape route to a mobile deviceassociated with the individual. Transmitting the escape route to themobile device associated with the individual may include determining, bythe one or more processors, a safety tip based upon the determinedescape route; and/or transmitting, by the hardware controller via thesecond communication network, the safety tip to the mobile deviceassociated with the individual. Transmitting the escape route to themobile device associated with the individual may also cause the mobiledevice to perform at least one of displaying, on a visual interface, theescape route superimposed on a virtual map or a floor plan of theproperty, and/or reciting, via an audio output, directions guiding theindividual along the escape route.

Determining the escape route for the individual may include (1)determining, by the one or more processors, a plurality of safe zonesthat are associated with a low risk of harm due to the emergencysituation; (2) generating, by the one or more processors, a plurality ofroutes between the location of the individual and any one of theplurality of safe zones, wherein the plurality of routes avoid guidingthe individual through the area made unsafe by the emergency situation;and/or (3) selecting, by the one or more processors, a best route fromthe plurality of routes to be the escape route. Selecting the best routemay include analyzing, by the one or more processors, a plurality offactors associated with each of the plurality of routes. The pluralityof factors may include at least one of an estimated time to reach a safezone, an estimated time until a safety of the route is compromised, adistance between the route and the area made unsafe by the emergencysituation, an accessibility of the route, and/or one or more preferencesassociated with the individual.

The method may include receiving, by the hardware controller via a firstcommunication network, a second set of sensor data from at least one ofthe plurality of devices, the second set of sensor data indicating thatthe escape route is no longer safe; and/or based upon the second set ofsensor data and an updated location of the individual, determining, bythe one or more processors, a modified escape route.

The method may include (1) transmitting, by the hardware controller viaa second communication network, the modified escape route to a mobiledevice associated with the individual on the property; (2) determining,by the one or more processors, a second set of actions to be performedby a second portion of the plurality of devices to ensure safety of themodified escape route; and/or (3) directing and/or controlling, by theone or more processors, the second portion of the plurality of devicesto perform the second set of actions. The method may also includeadjusting an insurance policy, premium, or discount (such as ahomeowners, renters, auto, home, health, or life insurance policy,premium, or discount) based upon the escape route and/or otherfunctionality discussed herein, and/or an insured having a home and/ormobile device with such functionality.

VI. EXEMPLARY ESCAPE ROUTE DETERMINATION SYSTEM

In one aspect, a system for escape route management for a property maybe provided. The property populated with a hardware controller incommunication with a plurality of devices and each of the plurality ofdevices may be configured to monitor various conditions associated withthe property. The system may include (i) a communication module adaptedto communicate data; (ii) a memory adapted to store non-transitorycomputer executable instructions; and (iii) one or more processorsadapted to interface with the communication module. The one or moreprocessors may be configured to execute the non-transitory computerexecutable instructions to cause the system to (1) receive, via thecommunication module, a first set of sensor data from at least one ofthe plurality of devices, the first set sensor data indicative of anemergency situation necessitating evacuation; (2) analyze, by the one ormore processors, the first set of sensor data to determine that anindividual is located on the property, the first set of sensor dataindicating a location of the individual; (3) based upon the first set ofsensor data and the location of the individual, determine, by the one ormore processors, an escape route for the individual to evacuate an areamade unsafe by the emergency situation; (4) determine, by the one ormore processors, a first set of actions to be performed by a firstportion of the plurality of devices to ensure safety of the escaperoute; and/or (5) direct and/or control, by the one or more processors,the first portion of the plurality of devices to perform the first setof actions to facilitate using an escape route. The system may includeadditional, less, or alternate actions, including those discussedelsewhere herein.

For instance, the one or more processors may be configured to executethe non-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the systemto transmit, via the communication module, the escape route to a mobiledevice associated with the individual.

To transmit the escape route to the mobile device associated with theindividual, the one or more processors are may be configured to executethe non-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the systemto determine, by the one or more processors, a safety tip based upon thedetermined escape route; and/or transmit, via the communication module,the safety tip to the mobile device associated with the individual. Thecommunication module transmitting the escape route to the mobile deviceassociated with the individual may cause the mobile device to perform atleast one of displaying, on a visual interface, the escape routesuperimposed on a virtual map or a floor plan of the property, and/orreciting, via an audio output, directions guiding the individual alongthe escape route.

To determine the escape route for the individual, the one or moreprocessors may be configured to execute the non-transitory computerexecutable instructions to cause the system to (1) determine, by the oneor more processors, a plurality of safe zones that are associated with alow risk of harm due to the emergency situation; (2) generate, by theone or more processors, a plurality of routes between the location ofthe individual and any one of the plurality of safe zones, wherein theplurality of routes avoid guiding the individual through the area madeunsafe by the emergency situation; and/or (3) select, by the one or moreprocessors, a best route from the plurality of routes to be the escaperoute.

To select the best route, the one or more processors may be configuredto execute the non-transitory computer executable instructions to causethe system to analyze, by the one or more processors, a plurality offactors associated with each of the plurality of routes, wherein theplurality of factors may include at least one of an estimated time toreach a safe zone, an estimated time until a safety of the route iscompromised, a distance between the route and the area made unsafe bythe emergency situation, an accessibility of the route, and/or one ormore preferences associated with the individual.

The one or more processors may be configured to execute thenon-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the system toreceive, via the communication module, a second set of sensor data fromat least one of the plurality of devices, the second set of sensor dataindicating that the escape route is no longer safe; and/or based uponthe second set of sensor data and an updated location of the individual,determine, by the one or more processors, a modified escape route.

The one or more processors may be configured to execute thenon-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the system to(1) transmit, by the hardware controller via a second communicationnetwork, the modified escape route to a mobile device associated withthe individual on the property; (2) determine, by the one or moreprocessors, a second set of actions to be performed by a second portionof the plurality of devices to ensure safety of the modified escaperoute; and/or (3) direct control, by the one or more processors, thesecond portion of the plurality of devices to perform the second set ofactions.

VII. EXEMPLARY SMART HOME CONTROLLER

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary smart home controller 620(such as the smart home controller 120 as discussed with respect toFIG. 1) in which the functionalities as discussed herein may beimplemented. It should be appreciated that the smart home controller 620may be associated with a property, as discussed herein.

The smart home controller 620 may include a processor 622, as well as amemory 678. The memory 678 may store an operating system 679 capable offacilitating the functionalities as described herein. The smart homecontroller 620 may also store a set of applications 675 (i.e., machinereadable instructions). For example, one application of the set ofapplications 675 may be an escape route determination routine 684configured to generate escape routes for individuals located theproperty during an emergency situation. It should be appreciated thatother applications may be included in the set of application 675.

The processor 622 may interface with the memory 678 to execute theoperating system 679 and the set of applications 675. According to someembodiments, the memory 678 may also include floor plan data 672 thatincludes information related to the layout of the property and/or thelocations of devices and/or individuals on the property. The escaperoute determination routine 684 may access the floor plan 672 todetermine an escape route. The memory 678 may include one or more formsof volatile and/or non-volatile, fixed and/or removable memory, such asread-only memory (ROM), electronic programmable read-only memory(EPROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable electronic programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), and/or other hard drives, flash memory,MicroSD cards, and others.

The smart home controller 620 may further include a communication module677 configured to communicate data via one or more networks 615.Network(s) 615 may include both a local network for communicatingbetween devices mounted on, or proximate to, the property and a remotenetwork for communicating between the property and external parties.According to some embodiments, the communication module 677 may includeone or more transceivers (e.g., WWAN, WLAN, and/or WPAN transceivers)functioning in accordance with IEEE standards, 3GPP standards, or otherstandards, and configured to receive and transmit data via one or moreexternal ports 676. In some embodiments, the communication module 677may include separate transceivers configured to interact with the localand remote networks separately. The smart home controller 620 mayfurther include a user interface 681 configured to present informationto a user and/or receive inputs from the user. As shown in FIG. 6, theuser interface 681 may include a display screen 682 and I/O components683 (e.g., ports, capacitive or resistive touch sensitive input panels,keys, buttons, lights, LEDs, speakers, microphones). According to thepresent embodiments, the user may access the smart home controller 620via the user interface 681 to monitor the status of the plurality ofsmart devices associated with a property, control the plurality of smartdevices associated with the property, indicate evacuation preferencesand/or limitations, and/or perform other functions. In some embodiments,the smart home controller 620 may perform the functionalities asdiscussed herein as part of a “cloud” network, or may otherwisecommunicate with other hardware or software components within the cloudto send, retrieve, and/or otherwise analyze data.

In general, a computer program product in accordance with an embodimentmay include a computer usable storage medium (e.g., standard randomaccess memory (RAM), an optical disc, a universal serial bus (USB)drive, or the like) having computer-readable program code embodiedtherein, wherein the computer-readable program code is adapted to beexecuted by the processor 622 (e.g., working in connection with theoperating system 679) to facilitate the functions as described herein.In this regard, the program code may be implemented in any desiredlanguage, and may be implemented as machine code, assembly code, bytecode, interpretable source code or the like (e.g., via C, C++, Java,Actionscript, Objective-C, Javascript, CSS, XML). In some embodiments,the computer program product may be part of a cloud network ofresources.

VIII. ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, managing operation ofdevices or personal property within a home or other type of property,such as household furniture, appliances, electronics, vehicles (e.g.,cars, boats, motorcycles), and/or other personal belongings (e.g.,clothing, jewelry, antiques). Generally, a home or property may have a“smart” central controller that may be wirelessly connected, orconnected via hard-wire, with various household related items, devices,and/or sensors. The central controller may be associated with any typeof property, such as homes, office buildings, restaurants, farms, and/orother types of properties.

The central controller, and/or one or more remote processors or serversassociated with an insurance provider, may be in wireless or wiredcommunication with various “smart” items or devices, such as smartappliances (e.g., clothes washer, dryer, dish washer, refrigerator,etc.); smart heating devices (e.g., furnace, space heater, etc.); smartcooling devices (e.g., air conditioning units, fans, ceiling fans,etc.); smart plumbing fixtures (e.g., toilets, showers, water heaters,piping, interior and yard sprinklers, etc.); smart cooking devices(e.g., stoves, ovens, grills, microwaves, etc.); smart wiring, lighting,and lamps; smart personal vehicles; smart thermostats; smart windows,doors, or garage doors; smart window blinds or shutters; and/or othersmart devices and/or sensors capable of wireless or wired communication.Each smart device (or sensor associated therewith), as well as thecentral controller and/or insurance provider remote processor(s), may beequipped with a processor, memory unit, software applications, wirelesstransceivers, local power supply, various types of sensors, and/or othercomponents.

The central controller, and/or insurance provider remote processor(s),may collect or retrieve various data from the devices or personalproperty, analyze the data, and/or identify various actions tofacilitate based upon the analysis. In particular, the centralcontroller, and/or insurance provider remote processor(s), may issuecommands to the devices or otherwise control operation of the devices.Upon receipt, the appropriate device may execute the command(s) to causethe smart device to perform an action or enter a preferred operationstate. The central controller, and/or insurance provider remoteprocessor(s), may also generate notifications of various operationstates or completed actions, and communicate the notifications toindividuals associated with the property.

Generally, the systems and methods offer numerous benefits to operationof devices within the property, as well as to individuals associatedwith the property. In particular, the systems and methods mayautomatically detect potential or actual issues with the property thatthe individuals may not realize exist, and may automatically facilitatepreventative or corrective actions to address the issues. As a result,security associated with the property may improve. Further, the systemsand methods improve loss prevention and mitigate actual loss. Thesystems and methods further apply to independent and/or assisted livingsituations, whereby patients may receive improved care and individualsassociated with the patients may realize more effective communication.Additionally, the systems and methods may improve energy consumption.

The systems and methods may further offer a benefit to insuranceproviders and customers thereof. Particularly, the present embodimentsmay facilitate (a) providing and updating insurance policies; (b) thehandling or adjusting of home insurance claims; (c) the disbursement ofmonies related to insurance claims; (d) modifying insurance coverageamounts; (e) updating and improving damage estimate models, and/or (f)other insurance-related activities. The systems and methods may furtheroffer a benefit to customers by offering improved insurance claimprocessing. Further, the insurance providers may stand out as acost-effective insurance provider, thereby retaining existing customersand attracting new customers. It should be appreciated that furtherbenefits to the systems and methods are envisioned.

The smart home controller or remote processor may automatically director control (i) opening (and/or unlocking) smart windows and/or smartdoors, and/or (ii) lighting up an evacuation path (e.g., remotelyoperating smart lighting or lamps) when a fire event is detected withinthe insured home by the smart home controller or remote processor tofacilitate occupants evacuating the insured home during the fire event.Additionally or alternatively, the smart home controller or remoteprocessor may automatically direct or control (i) lighting up anevacuation path (e.g., remotely operating smart lighting or lamps)and/or (2) deploying evacuation equipment (e.g., rope or ladderdeployment) when a fire event is detected within the insured home by thesmart home controller or remote processor to facilitate occupantsevacuating the insured home during the fire event.

The insured home may have smart doors that include smart hinges. Thesmart hinges may be configured to (1) automatically open when a fireevent is detected within the insured home by the smart home controlleror remote processor, and (2) it is determined by the smart homecontroller or remote processor that the insured home is occupied tofacilitate occupant evacuation. Additionally or alternatively, the smarthinges may be configured to (3) automatically close when a fire event isdetected within the insured home by the smart home controller or remoteprocessor, and (4) it is determined by the smart home controller orremote processor that the insured home is unoccupied to facilitate firesuppression.

In some embodiments, data from one of the smart devices may causecertain actions for another of the devices. For instance, if a smokealarm triggers, then hinges (e.g., smart hinges) on a set of interiordoors may cause the set of interior doors to close.

The insured home may have smart doors that include smart door knobs. Thesmart door knobs may be configured to change color or glow when a fireevent is detected to facilitate insured home occupants finding doorswithin smoke-filled rooms or homes. Additionally or alternatively, thesmart door knobs may be configured to change color or glow when a fireevent is detected (such as by a heat sensor integrated with the smartdoor knob) to indicate that there is a fire, or potential fire, on theother side of the smart door.

IX. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

As used herein, the term “smart” may refer to devices, sensors orappliances located inside or proximate to a property with the ability toremotely communicate information about the status of the device, sensor,or appliance and/or receive instructions that control the operation ofthe device, sensor, or appliance. For example, a smart thermostat may beable to remotely communicate the current temperature of the home andreceive instructions to adjust the temperature to a new level. Asanother example, a smart water tank may be able to remotely communicatethe level water contained therein and receive instructions to restrictthe flow of water leaving the tank. In contrast, “dumb” devices,sensors, or appliances located inside or proximate to a property requiremanual control. Referring again to the thermostat example, to adjust thetemperature on a “dumb” thermostat, a person would have to manuallyinteract with the thermostat. As such, a person may be unable to use acommunication network to remotely adjust a “dumb” device, sensor, orappliance.

For simplicity's sake, a “smart device” shall be used herein to refer toany of a smart device, sensor, appliance, and/or other smart equipmentthat may be disposed on or proximate to a property. In embodiments inwhich an appliance and a sensor external to the particular appliance areassociated with each other, “smart device” may refer to both theexternal sensors and the appliance collectively. Some examples ofdevices that may be “smart devices” are, without limitation, valves,piping, clothes washers/dryers, dish washers, refrigerators, sprinklersystems, toilets, showers, sinks, soil monitors, doors, locks, windows,shutters, ovens, grills, fire places, furnaces, lighting, sump pumps,security cameras, and alarm systems. An individual associated with theproperty shall be referred to as the “homeowner,” but it is alsoenvisioned that the individual is a family member of the homeowner, aperson renting/subletting the property, a person living or working onthe property, a neighbor of the property, an insured, or any otherindividual that may have an interest in preventing or mitigating damageto the property.

Further, any reference to “home” is meant to be exemplary and notlimiting. The systems and methods described herein may be applied to anyproperty, such as offices, farms, lots, parks, and/or other types ofproperties or buildings. Accordingly, “homeowner” may be usedinterchangeably with “property owner.” As used herein, “property” mayalso refer to any buildings, belongings and/or equipment disposed on theproperty itself.

While the terms “escape the property” and “evacuate the property” areused herein may generally refer to leaving the property, there are somescenarios in which an individual may “escape the property” and/or“evacuate the property” to a location still on the premises of theproperty. For example, a property may contain a “safe room” for takingshelter in the event of a home invasion. As another example, in atornado situation, the appropriate response may be to “evacuate” to thebasement. Accordingly, as used herein, any references to “escaping theproperty” or “evacuating from the property” (or other similarreferences) are not limited to scenarios in which the escape routeguides the individual off the premises of the property, but additionallyincorporates scenarios in which the appropriate safe zone to escape theemergency situation is actually still on the premises of the property.

With the foregoing, an insurance customer may opt-in to a rewards,insurance discount, or other type of program. After the insurancecustomer provides their affirmative consent, an insurance providerremote server may collect data from the customer's mobile device, smarthome controller, or other smart devices—such as with the customer'spermission. The data collected may be related to insured assets before(and/or after) an insurance-related event, including those eventsdiscussed elsewhere herein. In return, risk averse insureds, homeowners, or home or apartment occupants may receive discounts orinsurance cost savings related to home, renters, personal articles,auto, and other types of insurance from the insurance provider basedupon employing or otherwise having the functionality (such as escaperoute determination functionality) discussed herein.

In one aspect, smart or interconnected home data, and/or other data,including the types of data discussed elsewhere herein, may be collectedor received by an insurance provider remote server, such as via director indirect wireless communication or data transmission from a smarthome controller, mobile device, or other customer computing device,after a customer affirmatively consents or otherwise opts-in to aninsurance discount, reward, or other program. The insurance provider maythen analyze the data received with the customer's permission to providebenefits to the customer. As a result, risk averse customers may receiveinsurance discounts or other insurance cost savings based upon data thatreflects low risk behavior and/or technology that mitigates or preventsrisk to (i) insured assets, such as homes, personal belongings, orvehicles, and/or (ii) home or apartment occupants.

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legalscope of the invention may be defined by the words of the claims setforth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to beconstrued as exemplary only and does not describe every possibleembodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would beimpractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternateembodiments, using either current technology or technology developedafter the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within thescope of the claims.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

Additionally, certain embodiments are described herein as includinglogic or a number of routines, subroutines, applications, orinstructions. These may constitute either software (e.g., code embodiedon a non-transitory, machine-readable medium) or hardware. In hardware,the routines, etc., are tangible units capable of performing certainoperations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. Inexample embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone,client or server computer system) or one or more hardware modules of acomputer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may beconfigured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) asa hardware module that operates to perform certain operations asdescribed herein.

In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implementedmechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module maycomprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured(e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gatearray (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) toperform certain operations. A hardware module may also compriseprogrammable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within ageneral-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that istemporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. Itwill be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware modulemechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or intemporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may bedriven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the term “hardware module” should be understood toencompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physicallyconstructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarilyconfigured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or toperform certain operations described herein. Considering embodiments inwhich hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed),each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated atany one instance in time. For example, where the hardware modulescomprise a general-purpose processor configured using software, thegeneral-purpose processor may be configured as respective differenthardware modules at different times. Software may accordingly configurea processor, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module atone instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at adifferent instance of time.

Hardware modules may provide information to, and receive informationfrom, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardwaremodules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multipleof such hardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may beachieved through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuitsand buses) that connect the hardware modules. In embodiments in whichmultiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at differenttimes, communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, forexample, through the storage and retrieval of information in memorystructures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. Forexample, one hardware module may perform an operation and store theoutput of that operation in a memory device to which it iscommunicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a latertime, access the memory device to retrieve and process the storedoutput. Hardware modules may also initiate communications with input oroutput devices, and may operate on a resource (e.g., a collection ofinformation).

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors that aretemporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured toperform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanentlyconfigured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modulesthat operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modulesreferred to herein may, in some example embodiments, compriseprocessor-implemented modules.

Similarly, the methods or routines described herein may be at leastpartially processor-implemented. For example, at least some of theoperations of a method may be performed by one or more processors orprocessor-implemented hardware modules. The performance of certain ofthe operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, notonly residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number ofmachines. In some example embodiments, the processor or processors maybe located in a single location (e.g., within a home environment, anoffice environment, or as a server farm), while in other embodiments theprocessors may be distributed across a number of locations.

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed amongthe one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine,but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments,the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may belocated in a single geographic location (e.g., within a homeenvironment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other exampleembodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modulesmay be distributed across a number of geographic locations.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using wordssuch as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,”“presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions orprocesses of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transformsdata represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical)quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory,non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or othermachine components that receive, store, transmit, or displayinformation.

As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

The terms “insurer,” “insuring party,” and “insurance provider” are usedinterchangeably herein to generally refer to a party or entity (e.g., abusiness or other organizational entity) that provides insuranceproducts, e.g., by offering and issuing insurance policies. Typically,but not necessarily, an insurance provider may be an insurance company.

Although the embodiments discussed herein relate to home or personalproperty insurance policies, it should be appreciated that an insuranceprovider may offer or provide one or more different types of insurancepolicies. Other types of insurance policies may include, for example,condominium owner insurance, renter's insurance, life insurance (e.g.,whole-life, universal, variable, term), health insurance, disabilityinsurance, long-term care insurance, annuities, business insurance(e.g., property, liability, commercial auto, workers compensation,professional and specialty liability, inland marine and mobile property,surety and fidelity bonds), automobile insurance, boat insurance,insurance for catastrophic events such as flood, fire, volcano damageand the like, motorcycle insurance, farm and ranch insurance, personalliability insurance, personal umbrella insurance, community organizationinsurance (e.g., for associations, religious organizations,cooperatives), and other types of insurance products. In embodiments asdescribed herein, the insurance providers process claims related toinsurance policies that cover one or more properties (e.g., homes,automobiles, personal property), although processing other insurancepolicies is also envisioned.

The terms “insured,” “insured party,” “policyholder,” “customer,”“claimant,” and “potential claimant” are used interchangeably herein torefer to a person, party, or entity (e.g., a business or otherorganizational entity) that is covered by the insurance policy, e.g.,whose insured article or entity (e.g., property, life, health, auto,home, business) is covered by the policy. A “guarantor,” as used herein,generally refers to a person, party or entity that is responsible forpayment of the insurance premiums. The guarantor may or may not be thesame party as the insured, such as in situations when a guarantor haspower of attorney for the insured. An “annuitant,” as referred toherein, generally refers to a person, party or entity that is entitledto receive benefits from an annuity insurance product offered by theinsuring party. The annuitant may or may not be the same party as theguarantor.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the description. Thisdescription, and the claims that follow, should be read to include oneor at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it isobvious that it is meant otherwise.

The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intendedto be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditionalmeans-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for”or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).

This detailed description is to be construed as examples and does notdescribe every possible embodiment, as describing every possibleembodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implementnumerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology ortechnology developed after the filing date of this application.

What is claimed:
 1. A computer-implemented method of escape routemanagement for a property, the property populated with a hardwarecontroller in communication with a plurality of smart devices, each ofthe plurality of smart devices configured to monitor various conditionsassociated with the property, the method comprising: receiving, by thehardware controller via a first communication network, sensor dataindicative of an emergency situation necessitating evacuation from atleast one of the plurality of smart devices; analyzing, by one or moreprocessors, the sensor data to determine a location of an individuallocated on the property; based upon the sensor data and the location ofthe individual, determining, by the one or more processors, an escaperoute for the individual to evacuate an area made unsafe by theemergency situation; determining, by the one or more processors, a firstset of actions to be performed by a first portion of the plurality ofsmart devices to ensure safety of the escape route, the first set ofactions including an action that contains the emergency situation; anddirecting or controlling, by the hardware controller, the first portionof the plurality of smart devices to perform the first set of actions tofacilitate the individual escaping the emergency situation using theescape route.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereindirecting or controlling the first portion of the plurality of smartdevices to perform the first set of actions comprises: directing orcontrolling, by the hardware controller, the first portion of theplurality of smart devices to contain the emergency situation byperforming at least one of: shutting off utilities, de-energizingelectronic equipment, activating emergency generators, activating a sumppump, deploying a fire ladder, shutting a fire or flood door, or openingwindows.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: transmitting, by the hardware controller via a secondcommunication network, the escape route to a mobile device associatedwith the individual.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3,wherein transmitting the escape route to the mobile device associatedwith the individual comprises: determining, by the one or moreprocessors, a safety tip based upon the escape route; and transmitting,by the hardware controller via the second communication network, thesafety tip to the mobile device associated with the individual.
 5. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein transmitting the escaperoute to the mobile device associated with the individual causes themobile device to perform at least one of: displaying, on a visualinterface, the escape route superimposed on a map or a floor plan of theproperty, or reciting, via an audio output, directions guiding theindividual along the escape route.
 6. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the escape route for the individual furthercomprises: determining, by the one or more processors, a plurality ofsafe zones that are associated with a low risk of harm due to theemergency situation; and generating, by the one or more processors, aplurality of routes between the location of the individual and any oneof the plurality of safe zones, wherein the plurality of routes avoidguiding the individual through the area made unsafe by the emergencysituation.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, furthercomprising: selecting, by the one or more processors, the escape routefrom the plurality of routes by analyzing a plurality of additionalfactors associated with each of the plurality of routes, wherein theplurality of additional factors includes at least one of: an estimatedtime to reach one of the plurality of safe zones, an estimated timeuntil a safety of the route is compromised, a preference of theindividual, or a distance between the route and the area made unsafe bythe emergency situation, an accessibility of the route.
 8. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving,by the hardware controller via the first communication network, a secondset of sensor data from at least one of the plurality of smart devices,the second set of sensor data indicating that the particular escaperoute is no longer safe; and based upon the second set of sensor dataand an updated location of the individual, determining, by the one ormore processors, a modified escape route.
 9. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 8, further comprising: transmitting, by the hardwarecontroller via a second communication network, the modified escape routeto a mobile device associated with the individual on the property. 10.The computer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising:determining, by the one or more processors, a second set of actions tobe performed by a second portion of the plurality of smart devices toensure safety of the modified escape route; and directing orcontrolling, by the one or more processors, the second portion of theplurality of smart devices to perform the second set of actions.
 11. Asystem for escape route management for a property, the propertypopulated with a hardware controller in communication with a pluralityof smart devices, each of the plurality of smart devices configured tomonitor various conditions associated with the property, the systemcomprising: a communication module adapted to communicate data; a memoryadapted to store non-transitory computer executable instructions; andone or more processors adapted to interface with the communicationmodule, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute thenon-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the system to:receive, via the communication module, sensor data indicative of anemergency situation necessitating evacuation from at least one of theplurality of smart devices; analyze, by the one or more processors, thesensor data to determine a location of an individual located on theproperty; based upon the sensor data and the location of the individual,determine, by the one or more processors, an escape route for theindividual to evacuate an area made unsafe by the emergency situation;determine, by the one or more processors, a first set of actions to beperformed by a first portion of the plurality of smart devices to ensuresafety of the escape route, the first set of actions including an actionthat contains the emergency situation; and direct or control, by the oneor more processors and via the communication module, the first portionof the plurality of smart devices to perform the first set of actions tofacilitate ensuring safety of the escape route.
 12. The system of claim11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to executethe non-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the systemto: transmit, via the communication module, the escape route to a mobiledevice associated with the individual.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein to transmit the escape route to the mobile device associatedwith the individual, the one or more processors are further configuredto execute the non-transitory computer executable instructions to causethe system to: determine, by the one or more processors, a safety tipbased upon the escape route; and transmit, via the communication module,the safety tip to the mobile device associated with the individual. 14.The system of claim 13, wherein the communication module transmittingthe escape route to the mobile device associated with the individualcauses the mobile device to perform at least one of: displaying, on avisual interface, the escape route superimposed on a map or a floor planof the property, or reciting, via an audio output, directions guidingthe individual along the particular escape route.
 15. The system ofclaim 11, wherein to determine the plurality of escape routes for theindividual, the one or more processors are further configured to executethe non-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the systemto: determine, by the one or more processors, a plurality of safe zonesthat are associated with a low risk of harm due to the emergencysituation; and generate, by the one or more processors, a plurality ofroutes between the location of the individual and any one of theplurality of safe zones, wherein the plurality of routes avoid guidingthe individual through the area made unsafe by the emergency situation.16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors arefurther configured to execute the non-transitory computer executableinstructions to cause the system to: select, by the one or moreprocessors, the escape route from the plurality of routes by analyzing aplurality of additional factors associated with each of the plurality ofroutes, wherein the plurality of factors includes at least one of: anestimated time to reach one of the plurality of safe zones, an estimatedtime until a safety of the route is compromised, a preference of theindividual, or a distance between the route and the area made unsafe bythe emergency situation, an accessibility of the route.
 17. The systemof claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configuredto execute the non-transitory computer executable instructions to causethe system to: receive, via the communication module, a second set ofsensor data from at least one of the plurality of smart devices, thesecond set of sensor data indicating that the particular escape route isno longer safe; and based upon the second set of sensor data and anupdated location of the individual, determine, by the one or moreprocessors, a modified escape route.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe one or more processors are further configured to execute thenon-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the system to:transmit, by the hardware controller via a second communication network,the modified escape route to a mobile device associated with theindividual on the property.
 19. The computer-implemented method of claim17, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to executethe non-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the systemto: determine, by the one or more processors, a second set of actions tobe performed by a second portion of the plurality of smart devices toensure safety of the modified escape route; and director control, by theone or more processors, the second portion of the plurality of smartdevices to perform the second set of actions.
 20. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing processor-executableinstructions, that when executed cause one or more processors to:receive by the one or more processors via a local communication network,sensor data indicative of an emergency situation necessitatingevacuation from at least one of a plurality of smart devices; analyze,by the one or more processors, the sensor data to determine a locationof an individual located on the property; based upon the first set ofsensor data and the location of the individual, determine, by the one ormore processors, an escape route for the individual to evacuate an areamade unsafe by the emergency situation; determine, by the one or moreprocessors, a first set of actions to be performed by a first portion ofthe plurality of smart devices to ensure safety of the escape route, thefirst set of actions including an action that contains the emergencysituation; and direct or control, by the one or more processors and viathe local communication network, the first portion of the plurality ofsmart devices to perform the first set of actions to facilitate anindividual using the escape route to escape from or evade the emergencysituation.